Zapping the brain to boost motivation in seniors
NCT ID NCT05232877
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether a gentle electrical brain stimulation technique called tDCS, combined with cognitive training on a tablet, can reduce apathy in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Apathy is a lack of motivation and interest that can affect daily life. The trial involves 27 participants aged 65 and older who will receive either real tDCS plus training or a sham (fake) version over 12 sessions in 4 weeks. The goal is to see if this combination can improve emotional engagement, initiative, and interest.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with cognitive training
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a non-drug way to ease apathy in older adults with mild cognitive problems, improving motivation and daily function.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase study with only 27 participants, so results may not apply widely. The effect of tDCS can be subtle, and the sham group may also improve.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Centre Memoire Ressources et Recherche, CHU de Nice
Nice, 06000, France
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